Shock 493bhp Peugeot 308 R HYbrid blasts into Shanghai

Peugeot has stormed into the Shanghai Motor Show with a brand new concept, the 308 R HYbrid. Developed by Peugeot’s in-house racing division, Peugeot Sport, the plug-in hybrid hatchback produces 493bhp from a 1.6-litre turbo and one electric motor on each axle, making the 308 R HYbrid four-wheel drive.

It’s loosely based around the 308 R Concept which was first showcased at the Paris Motor Show last year – a decision on whether to build it still hasn’t been made – but ups the game when it comes to performance.

Peugeot Sport has widened the front and rear tracks by 80mm, added beefier brakes and converted the 308 into all-wheel drive. The powertrain is a combination of the 267bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo you’ll find in the RCZ R, with two 114bhp electric motors bolted to each axle. Peugeot claims the result is 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

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Four driving modes made up of ZEV, Road, Track and Hot Lap, serve up varying degrees of performance. In its most extreme setting, the 308 R HYbrid develops the full 493bhp and 730Nm of torque but thanks to the plug-in hybrid powertrain emits only 70g/km of CO2.

In terms of style, Peugeot has looked to another concept for design inspiration. The gaping 3D air intakes, angular bumpers and the two-tone bodywork has been borrowed from the Quartz SUV concept which also debuted at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

Given that the 308 R Concept has still yet to be given the green light, its unlikely there are any immediate production plans for the 308 R HYbrid. Yet that hasn’t stopped Peugeot bosses hinting at potential plans.

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“With our experience in hybrid vehicles developed with the Peugeot 908, the high-performance hybrid powertrain fitted to the 308 gives a glimpse of the potential for ultra-sports models in the future” said Bruno Famin, Director at Peugeot Sport.

Its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show is likely to be more of a strategic plan to promote the 308 model range as a whole, of which a new saloon version badged the 308S has gone sale in China.